Emergency operations incident command kit and method of use

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed toward a system for preparing and dealing with emergency or crisis situations. In particular, the present invention comprises a comprehensive kit that provides leaders with the equipment, instructions, records and communication templates needed to guide an organization through a crisis or disaster. The kit is comprised of various electronic and communication equipment housed in protective custom foam packing as well as office supplies and a full set of intellectual management tools combining essential elements of the National Incident Management System and the Incident Command System to enable interoperability with arriving first responders and other local, state, or federal resources. The kit is stored and contained within a durable, mobile, water-resistant, impact-resistant, protective enclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is directed toward a system for preparing for anddealing with emergency or crisis situations from an operationsmanagement perspective. In particular, the present invention comprises acomprehensive kit that provides leaders with the equipment,instructions, records and communication templates needed to guide anorganization through a crisis or disaster.

2. Background Information

Emergency situations or incidents are a daily occurrence both in theUnited States and abroad. Such incidents vary in size and scope and mayinclude a number of disaster situations and causes associated therewith.Emergency incidents may be caused by natural disasters, such astsunamis, hurricanes, tornadoes, winter storms, floods, or earthquakes.Additionally, other origins of emergency incidents include those causedby human mistake or folly, such as fires, hazardous materials spills,and multi-casualty accidents. Finally, all too many such incidents arethe product of the darker side of human behavior, such as bomb threats,rampage shootings, terrorist acts, and other acts of criminality.

Furthermore, the majority of the aforementioned incidents are notpreventable by those governments, organizations, and persons affected.Therefore, the necessity arises of preparing for and dealing with allsuch incidents whether occurring in singular or in combination. In orderto more effectively deal with the effect of such emergencies, agovernment-initiated management system called the Incident CommandSystem has been developed over the years. The Incident Command Systemwas designed to offer a scalable emergency response to incidents of anymagnitude. As part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, thissystem has been expanded and has become the National Incident ManagementSystem. Accordingly, this system is designed to grow and shrink byenabling an organization responding to emergency or incidents to modifytheir operations relative to the magnitude of the incident, allowingmore resources to be smoothly added into the system when required, whilealso allowing an efficient release of resources when no longer needed.As the Incident Command System becomes more widely used and accepted,leaders from all types of organizations are finding it essential tounderstand and implement its principles accordingly.

The general organization of the Incident Command System consists offive, major management activities that are expected to apply and aretypically filled dependent upon the size and complexity of the incident.These five sections encompass the general staff and include: Command,Operations, Planning, Logistics, and Finance/Administration.Additionally, three positions exist in the command staff, which reportdirectly to the Incident Commander, those being, the InformationOfficer, the Safety Officer, and the Liaison Officer.

At the top of the command structure, the Incident Commander is thesingle person in charge at the incident and initially fills all fivegeneral staff positions. As the incident grows, the tasks covered byother sections may be delegated. The new positions take the title ofSection Chief and report directly to the Incident Commander. TheIncident Commander is responsible for all activity on the incident aswell as creating the overall incident objectives. The Operations SectionChief responsibilities include directing all actions necessary to meetthe incident objectives. The task of the Planning Section Chief includescollection and display of incident information, primarily consisting ofthe status of all resources and overall status of the incident. TheLogistics Section Chief responsibilities are to provide all resources,services, and support required by the incident. Finally, the FinanceSection Chief is tasked with tracking incident related costs, personnelrecords, requisitions, and administrating procurement contracts requiredby Logistics.

Additionally, as previously mentioned three additional positions existwithin the command staff, which report directly to the IncidentCommander. The Public Information Officer serves as the conduit forinformation to internal and external stakeholders. The Safety Officermonitors safety conditions and develops measures for assuring the safetyof all assigned personnel. Finally, the Liaison Officer serves as theprimary contact for supporting agencies assisting at an incident.

Although the aforementioned describes the structure and function of theIncident Command System, an organization will only be successful indealing with an emergency if it has planned for and is able to implementkey Incident Command System management concepts. In order to properlyuse such a system, first the span-of-control must be properly limited toinsure that the number of responsibilities being handled by, and thenumber of resources reporting directly to, any one individual is in theproper relation. Next, a consolidated incident action plan must bedeveloped to ensure that the entire incident response structure isworking in concert toward the same goals by providing a coherent meansof communicating the overall incident objectives in the context ofoperational and support activities.

Another key management concept of the Incident Command System involvesmanagement by objective. The Incident Commander and the Planning Sectionmust develop strategic objectives that clearly define what the IncidentCommand System response team is trying to achieve. These strategicobjectives should be documented in tangible form and communicatedroutinely, at least semi-annually, throughout the organization. This, inturn, not only keeps the response team in focus and constituentsprepared to respond appropriately, but it also provides a standpoint tolater benchmark the effectiveness of the response against the objectiveset.

The Incident Command System should also be implemented utilizing theprinciples of unity of command, modular organization, and comprehensiveresource management. Under the principle of unity of command, eachparticipating individual reports to only one supervisor. The modularorganization principle merely means that the size and focus of theIncident Command System organization may be altered depending on themagnitude of the incident as necessary. Comprehensive resourcemanagement ensures that all assets and personnel are tracked andaccounted for. Resource management further includes processes forcategorizing, ordering, dispatching, tracking, and recovering resourcesas necessary.

Additionally, an Incident Command Post must be designated for anyparticular incident. The Incident Commander operates at the IncidentCommand Post during response operations. Accordingly, the IncidentCommand Post may be located in a vehicle, trailer, tent, or within abuilding.

The final concept critical to the successful implementation of anIncident Command System involves the use of integrated communications. Acommon communications plan is essential for ensuring that responders cancommunicate with one another during an incident. Communicationequipment, procedures, and systems must be interoperable. Hence,developing an integrated voice and data communications system must occurprior to an incident.

Although the aforementioned systems and concepts have developed andproven effective over time, inventors have attempted to develop a kit toprovide the leadership of an organization with the tools needed toimplement such a system in an emergency situation. The typical answer tothis recognized need has involved simple, but crude devices. One suchdevice involves the use of a standard 40 gallon plastic or metal garbagereceptacle filled with items that might be needed in an emergency, suchas an ax, a fire extinguisher, a siren, a first-aid kit, a pry-bar, anAM radio, a whistle, and the like. Although this type of kit, byproviding some tools that may be needed in an emergency in a singlelocation, is better than no preparation, it is a far cry from awell-planned system that provides all the tools needed to respond to anincident using the Incident Command System. Additionally, this type ofsystem or kit is typically heavy and cumbersome to transport; therefore,it is not always readily available when needed.

Responding to these shortcomings, certain prior art developed in anattempt to provide a more compact, portable system that can betransported and used as needed. One such system, disclosed in U.S. Pat.No. 5,515,974, issued to Higson on May 14, 1996, involves the use of aportable case that houses certain articles, including a flashlight,first aid kit, and fire extinguisher among others. This kit even goes astep further by providing a written booklet disclosing informationrelative to disasters such as hurricanes and tornadoes. This kit is aclear advance in the state of the art, in that it provides some toolsnecessary to respond to certain disasters along with limited informationin a portable, suitcase style package. However, not only is the kit inHigson, itself, susceptible to destruction in the event of disaster, italso fails to provide all the essential elements needed for a leader toset up and implement the Incident Command System in response to anemergency incident.

Another attempt at responding to the aforementioned need is disclosed inUnited States Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0108241 by Smith,published on May 25, 2006. Smith is most specifically geared toward amethod of preparing for emergencies involving single buildingstructures. Smith also discloses a kit for use in the method. Thedisclosed kit involves a mobile, plastic box containing items such as aflashlight, a mobile telephone, and binders for information about thebuilding, personnel, and a list of local emergency response agencies'contact numbers. Similar to Higson, the kit in Smith provides some toolsnecessary to respond to certain disasters. Smith also providesadditional information geared to a particular building and its occupantsin an effort to help responders in the event of an emergency. However,the kit in Smith also fails to provide all the essential elements neededfor a leader to set up and implement the Incident Command System in aportable package that is not susceptible to destruction in the incidentitself.

In view of the limitations associated with the prior art, a substantialneed exists for a system that provides all the essential elements neededfor a leader to set up and implement the universally recognized andaccepted Incident Command system in a portable package that is notsusceptible to destruction during the incident triggering the response.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The general purpose of the present invention, which will be describedsubsequently in greater detail, is to provide a comprehensive kit thatprovides leaders with the equipment, instructions, records andcommunication templates needed to guide an organization through a crisisor disaster.

In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present invention toprovide an incident command kit that is highly durable.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an incidentcommand kit that is highly mobile.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an incidentcommand kit that is weather and water-proof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an incidentcommand kit that includes high quality electronic equipment.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an incidentcommand kit that includes high quality communications equipment.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an incidentcommand kit that includes high quality computer hardware.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an incidentcommand kit that includes emergency response software applications.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an incidentcommand kit that includes emergency response guides, forms andinstructional material.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an incidentcommand kit that includes emergency management tools that incorporateessential elements of the National Incident Management System and theIncident Command System.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an incidentcommand kit that includes emergency management tools that enableseamless interoperability with arriving first responders and otherlocal, state or federal resources.

In satisfaction of these and other related objectives, the presentinvention encompasses an incident command kit that providesorganizational leaders all the equipment, instructions, records andcommunication templates needed to implement the Incident Command Systemin the event of an emergency in a durable, compact, and portableprotective case.

Often times, in an emergency situation such as severe weather, floodingor fire, an organization's property is severely damaged or destroyed.If, as in most cases, that organization stored items necessary to dealwith such an emergency on-site, those items, equipment and tools aredamaged or destroyed as well, leaving the responding leaders without thetools necessary to readily implement their planned Incident CommandSystem. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, theaforementioned incident command kit is provided in a waterproof,fire-resistant, crush-resistant, protective case. This feature of thekit is essential to ensure that the valuable equipment and intellectualtools provided inside the case are in tact and readily available whenneeded, no matter the type or extent of crisis or disaster encountered.

Next, once a crisis or disaster strikes, the pre-planned IncidentCommander, must not only be able to locate the in-tact, incident commandkit, but the Incident Commander must also quickly transport the kit to aremote location to set up an Incident Command Post. The case of thepresent invention facilitates this activity by providing an extendablehandle and wheels to ensure ready and easy portability to whateverremote location may be necessary to set up the Incident Command Post.Thus, whether the emergency is a natural or human-caused disaster, theincident command kit of the present invention provides the IncidentCommander with a kit that will not only survive the disaster, but willalso be in condition for easy transport to a remote location for theestablishment of an Incident Command Post.

Once the Incident Commander has reached the location for the IncidentCommand Post, it is imperative that certain electronic and communicationequipment be available and in working condition. In order to fulfillthis need, the incident command kit of the present invention providessuch equipment within custom foam storage receptacles located within theprotective case. The preferred embodiment of the present invention firstprovides the Incident Commander with a start-up ready laptop andportable printer complete with a portable power solution, inkcartridges, and paper. Optionally, the laptop may also be provided withwireless service capability as well to facilitate necessarycommunication via the World Wide Web. Additionally, the kit provides aflash drive for data back-up and storage and a digital camera with anynecessary battery packs and cabling to ensure photographs may be takenand downloaded immediately for viewing, printing or electronicallyforwarding to appropriate personnel. Furthermore, since many times theIncident Command Post will be located in a make-shift area such as atrailer or automobile, a power inverter is also provided to ensureuninterrupted battery charging and power to the aforementionedelectronic equipment as necessary to prevent critical downtime in anemergency response situation.

Once the Incident Commander has established an Incident Command Post, itis imperative to set up an appropriate communication system tofacilitate the response to the emergency situation. Integral to this isnot only the ability to communicate with the Incident Commander'ssubordinates, but also the ability to communicate with other responseteams as well as the ability to receive information or warnings fromauthorities. To supply a solution to this need, the kit of the presentinvention provides various radio and/or satellite communicationequipment. First, a high-powered (up to 5 watts) radio for communicationwith local responders is supplied in one of a variety of frequencyranges. Additionally, General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) two-way radiosare provided as well. Finally, a National Oceanic and AtmosphericAssociation (NOAA) AM-FM weather radio is also provided to ensure anywarnings or information from authorities may be received in a timelymanner. Therefore, not only does the kit of the present inventionprovide appropriate electronic and communication equipment, it providesthem in a package to ensure the equipment both survives the initialemergency incident and is “ready to go” once the Incident Command Postis set up.

Once the Incident Command Post is set up and the Incident Command Teamis organizing, a number of other necessary physical items will be foundsafe and secure within the kit of the present invention, either in themolded foam storage section or mesh storage pouches. Accordingly, thekit contains items such as a 6-in-1 personal safety device, bothhand-cranked and battery powered flashlights, batteries, multipurposetool, power cords, compact high-capacity first aid kit as well as anumber of other items needed in an emergency situation. Additionally,other items are provided to aid in the Incident Command Teamsorganization, such as color coded Incident Command Team vests and rainponchos as well as all the supplies needed to facilitate the setting upof a mobile office, including clipboards, a dry erase board withmarkers, files and folders with a portable holder, writing materials,whistles, note cards, tape, scissors, and various other items essentialto the running of an Incident Command Post.

Finally and most importantly, the Incident Commander and the IncidentCommand Team staff must be able to implement the Incident Command Systemin a systematic approach using the appropriate procedures and reportingformats in order to achieve a successful response. The preferredembodiment of the kit of the present invention further providescomprehensive, crisis management and recovery guides, action lists,software and documents to facilitate the success of the incidentresponse. Accordingly, the kit includes a quick-start guide, actionlists, emergency records and forms, checklists, a communications plan,and maps as well as other necessary incident management material. In thepreferred embodiment, both hard copies and software are included. Assuch, the Incident Commander and Incident Command Team are guidedthrough a system that incorporates the essential elements of both theNational Incident Management System and the Incident Command Systemenabling seamless interoperability with first responders from the local,state, or federal level.

In summary, the present invention provides a blend of unique propertiesessential to a successful Incident Command System not found singularlyor in combination with any known prior art system. The kit of thepresent invention combines a highly durable, mobile, weather-proof,water-proof protective case containing a plurality of essential highcaliber, professional equipment and office equipment as well as acomplete set of intellectual tools to enable a leader to respondaggressively to control an incident, emergency, or disaster situation.The kit components and the emergency response guides, forms andinstructional material, when used together serve as a set of emergencymanagement tools and a system that incorporates essential elements ofthe National Incident Management System and the Incident Command Systeminto the user's emergency management process and enables seamlessinteroperability with arriving first responders and other local, stateor federal resources.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Applicant's invention may be further understood from a description ofthe accompanying drawings, wherein unless otherwise specified, likereferenced numerals are intended to depict like components in thevarious views.

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the apparatus of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the open case of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the open case of the present inventionwith some materials removed.

FIG. 4 is another perspective view of the open case of the presentinvention with additional materials removed.

FIG. 5 is another perspective view of the open case of the presentinvention with additional materials removed.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of various contents of the kit of thepresent invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of additional contents of the kit of thepresent invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of additional contents of the kit of thepresent invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of additional contents of the kit of thepresent invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of additional contents of the kit of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring principally to FIG. 1, an incident command kit is shown andgenerally referred to by the numeral 10. Incident command kit (10)provides all the equipment, instructions, records, and communicationtemplates needed to set up an Incident Command Post and implement theIncident Command System in the event of an emergency in a durable,compact, and portable form.

Still referring to FIG. 1, protective case (12) is shown. Protectivecase (12) is a waterproof, fire-resistant, chemical resistant,crush-resistant structure with an open cell core. In the preferredembodiment, case (12) has a polypropylene copolymer wall construction;however, other suitable materials are contemplated and may besubstituted. In the preferred embodiment, protective case (12) includesan ethylene propylene diene monomer o-ring to ensure proper seal and toensure case (12) is watertight. Additionally, in the preferredembodiment, case (12) includes a pressure equalization valve with amicroporous expanded polytetraflouroethylene (ePTFE) membrane tocontinuously allow the free passage of gasses and vapors, equalizing thepressure differential between the enclosure and the ambient, whilerepelling water, dust, and dirt. Finally, in the preferred embodiment,protective case (12) adheres to the following standards andcertifications: MIL-C-4150J, ATA 300, Def Stan 81-41/STANAG 4280, andIngress Protection (IP). Still referring to FIG. 1, protective case (12)includes extendable handle (14) and wheels (16) for maximum mobility.

Referring to FIG. 2, in the preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, protective case (12) includes various pouch features (18) foradditional storage of office supplies and various items included inincident command kit (10). FIG. 2 also shows the significant, open-cellspace provided for various mobile communication, guides, forms, andsoftware, as contained in incident command kit (10). FIG. 3 shows theaforementioned supplies removed, revealing task board (20). Task board(20) consists of a hardback protective covering on one side (shown).Removal of task board (20) via finger slots (22), reveals the otherside, which doubles as a dry erase board. The dry erase board section oftask board (20) may further be used for recording, tracking, and postingtasks, objectives, and goals of the Incident Command Team.

Referring to FIG. 4, protective case (12) is shown with task board (20)removed, revealing custom foam storage unit (24) adapted for protectionof critical communication and electronics equipment. Custom foam storageunit (24) may consist of a number of separate units custom cut forprotection of specific equipment and stacked layer upon layer formaximum protection and compactness. Custom foam storage unit (24) may bemanufactured from a variety of foam materials including polyethylene,polyurethane, or cross-link foam. The preferred embodiment of incidentcommand kit (10) includes start-up ready laptop computer (26) situatedin custom designed foam storage unit (24) along with various other itemsequally so protected. FIG. 5 shows incident command kit (10) with laptop(26) removed, revealing additional electronic and communicationequipment protected via custom foam storage unit (24) including digitalcamera (28) with removable memory card, laptop battery and power cord(30), Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable (32), NOAA AM-FM battery poweredweather radio (34), GMRS two-way radios (36), additional batteries (38),and 6-in-1 personal safety device (40). In the preferred embodiment,6-in-1 personal safety device (40), is a hand held, crank-powered,device incorporating a super bright light emitting diode (LED)flashlight, a mobile telephone charger, an emergency FM radio, a signalflasher, a 130 decibel emergency siren, and a directional compass.

Referring to FIG. 6, a number of additional electronic, communicationand other equipment necessary for a successful Incident Command Systemis shown removed from protective case (12). Portable printer (42) isshown complete with spare ink cartridges and paper. Additionallyhigh-powered radio (44) is included for communication with localresponders. One or more USB flash drives (46) are also provided for databack-up and storage. Additional items included in incident command kit(10) include power inverter (48), a battery powered flashlight (50), amultipurpose tool (52), a lock (54), and a compact high-capacity firstaid kit (56).

FIG. 7 shows various supplies included in incident command kit (10),removed from protective case (12). Such materials are needed tofacilitate the setting up of a mobile office, as is inevitably necessarywhen implementing an Incident Command System. These materials includeclip boards (58), dry erase boards (60), markers (62), file folders (64)with portable holder (66), writing utensils (68), note cards (70), tape(72), scissors (74), sanitary hand cleaner (75) and whistles (76). Alsoincluded in the kit are various other office supplies that wouldnormally be needed in an office setting to facilitate the IncidentCommander setting up office at the Incident Command Post.

FIG. 8 shows intellectual incident management tools (90) included inincident command kit (10), removed from protective case (12). Theseintellectual tools (90) provide comprehensive, crisis management andrecovery guides, action lists, software and documents to facilitate thesuccess of an incident response. As shown in FIG. 8, intellectualincident management tools (90) include quick-start guide (78), actionlists (80), emergency records and forms (82), checklists (84),communications plan (86), and maps (88). In the preferred embodiment,both hard copies and software are included. Preferably, quick-startguide (78) provides information to assist the Incident Commander ininitially setting up the organization and structure of the IncidentCommand System once the Incident Command Post is established. Forms thatmay be included in quick-start guide (78) are incident briefing forms,organizational structure forms, incident objective forms, medical planforms, and general message forms. Action lists (80) may includeemergency operations activity lists, emergency operations activity logs,and organization assignment lists among others. Emergency records andforms (82) may include initial or update incident reports, emergencycontact information, emergency notification and recall forms, bombthreat reports, staff sign-in and sign-out logs, volunteer sign-in andsign-out logs, terrorist threat report forms, volunteer data inputforms, and emergency operations telephone call logs among others.Checklists (84) may include transfer of command checklists, assignmentchecklists, and notification checklists. Communications plans (86) mayinclude both radio and telephone emergency communications plans.Finally, maps (88) may include national, state, regional, local, andfacility maps as well as any other specific emergency or evacuation mapsthat may be deemed necessary. The aforementioned examples ofintellectual management tools (90) provided in incident command kit (10)are merely illustrative. A number of other intellectual management tools(90) may be provided or tailored to a particular organization ororganizational structure to ensure that the organization leader isprovided with the guidance, instructions, tools and techniques foreffective decision making and planning.

Finally, FIGS. 9 and 10 also show a number of items included in incidentcommand kit (10). Referring to FIG. 9, hooded rain ponchos (92) areincluded in incident command kit as well as other items needed to dealwith particular weather related response challenges. Referring to FIG.10, five lightweight Incident Command Team vests (94) are shown. In thepreferred embodiment, vests (94) are color coded to distinguish andidentify the role the response member fulfills within the organizationalstructure of the Incident Command Team. Furthermore, vests (94) includefront and back pockets (96) with identification name tags (98) tofurther designate the team member's role on the Incident Command Team.Additionally, identification name tags (98) include a quick referenceguide on the back of tags (98), which specify the specificresponsibilities that correlate with that team member's role. Thus, ifteam members are assigned new roles or need a reminder of theresponsibilities assigned to their specific role, they need only removename tag (98) from their assigned vest (94) to quickly review theirdesignated responsibilities.

Although the invention has been described with reference to specificembodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limitedsense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well asalternative embodiments of the inventions will become apparent topersons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of theinvention. It is, therefore, contemplated that the appended claims willcover such modifications that fall within the scope of the invention.

1. An incident command kit, comprising: intellectual management tools,said intellectual management tools selected from the group consisting ofcomputer software applications and physical documents, said intellectualmanagement tools being configured to facilitate the understanding anduse of the Incident Command System in responding to an emergencyincident; office supplies; incident response equipment, said incidentresponse equipment comprising electronic equipment and communicationequipment; a foam storage member, said foam storage member being customconfigured to secure and protect said electronic and said communicationequipment; and a protective enclosure member, said protective enclosurebeing configured for containment of said intellectual management tools,said office supplies, said incident response equipment, and said foamstorage member, said protective enclosure member being reversiblysealable, said protective enclosure member being configured for awatertight seal.
 2. The incident command kit of claim 1 wherein saidprotective enclosure member has an extendable handle.
 3. The incidentcommand kit of claim 2 wherein said protective enclosure member haswheels.
 4. The incident command kit of claim 3 wherein said protectiveenclosure member is comprised of fire resistant material.
 5. Theincident command kit of claim 4 wherein said protective enclosure memberis comprised of chemical resistant material.
 6. The incident command kitof claim 5 wherein said protective enclosure member has a pressureequalization valve to equalize the pressure differential between saidenclosure member and the ambient, said pressure equalization valvehaving a membrane to repel water, dust and dirt.
 7. The incident commandkit of claim 5 wherein said foam storage member material is selectedfrom a group consisting of polyethylene foam, polyurethane foam, andcross-link foam.
 8. The incident command kit of claim 7 wherein saidincident response equipment is further comprised of a plurality ofhooded rain ponchos and a plurality of lightweight, color coded vests.9. The incident command kit of claim 8 wherein said color coded vestseach contain a transparent pocket feature on the front and back side ofsaid vest, wherein each pocket feature contains a tag having a frontside and a back side, said tag bearing printed material identifying anIncident Team Member role on said front side, said tag bearing printedmaterial listing the corresponding responsibilities of said team memberon said back side.
 10. The incident command kit of claim 9 wherein saidelectronic equipment is comprised of one or more items selected from thegroup consisting of a notebook computer, a weather radio, a 6-in-1personal safety device, a portable printer, a power inverter, ahand-cranked flashlight, a battery powered flashlight, and a digitalcamera.
 11. The incident command kit of claim 10 wherein saidcommunication equipment includes a two-way radio.
 12. The incidentcommand kit of claim 11 further comprising a task board, said task boardhaving a front side and a back side, said task board having a hardprotective coating on said back side, said task board having a dry-erasesurface on said front side, said task board configured for placement ontop of said electronic and said communication equipment for protectionthereof, said task board having an aperture for aiding in removalthereof.
 13. The incident command kit of claim 12 wherein said officesupplies are comprised of one or more items selected from the groupconsisting of a clip board, a dry erase board, a marker, a file folder,a portable file folder holder, a writing utensil, a note card, a roll oftape, a pair of scissors, and a whistle.
 14. The incident command kit ofclaim 13 wherein said computer software application is comprised of oneor more of the group consisting of an incident briefing form, anincident objective form, an emergency contact form, a staff sign-in andsign-out log, a volunteer sign-in and sign-out log, an emergencycommunication plan, and a map.
 15. The incident command kit of claim 14wherein said physical documents are comprised of one or more of thegroup consisting of an incident briefing form, an incident objectiveform, an emergency contact form, a staff sign-in and sign-out log, avolunteer sign-in and sign-out log, an emergency communication plan, anda map.
 16. A method for implementing an emergency incident response,comprising: selecting an incident command kit, comprising: intellectualmanagement tools, said intellectual management tools selected from thegroup consisting of computer software applications and physicaldocuments, said intellectual management tools being configured tofacilitate the understanding and use of the Incident Command System inresponding to an emergency incident, said computer software applicationis comprised of one or more of the group consisting of an incidentbriefing form, an incident objective form, an emergency contact form, astaff sign-in and sign-out log, a volunteer sign-in and sign-out log, anemergency communication plan, and a map, said physical documents arecomprised of one or more of the group consisting of an incident briefingform, an incident objective form, an emergency contact form, a staffsign-in and sign-out log, a volunteer sign-in and sign-out log, anemergency communication plan, and a map; office supplies, said officesupplies are comprised of one or more items selected from the groupconsisting of a clip board, a dry erase board, a marker, a file folder,a portable file folder holder, a writing utensil, a note card, a roll oftape, a pair of scissors, and a whistle; incident response equipment,said incident response equipment comprising electronic equipment andcommunication equipment, said communication equipment including atwo-way radio; a task board, said task board having a front side and aback side, said task board having a hard protective coating on said backside, said task board having a dry-erase surface on said front side,said task board configured for placement on top of said electronic andsaid communication equipment for protection thereof, said task boardhaving an aperture for aiding in removal thereof; a foam storage member,said foam storage member being custom configured to secure and protectsaid electronic and said communication equipment; and a protectiveenclosure member, said protective enclosure being configured forcontainment of said intellectual management tools, said office supplies,said incident response equipment, and said foam storage member, saidprotective enclosure member being reversibly sealable, said protectiveenclosure member being configured for a watertight seal, said protectiveenclosure member having an extendable handle and wheels, said protectiveenclosure member being comprised of fire resistant and chemicalresistant material; transporting said kit to a remote, off-sightlocation; using the contents of said kit to assemble an Incident CommandTeam; using the contents of said kit to communicate with said IncidentCommand Team; using the contents of said kit to manage, record andreport on all phases of an incident response in a format compatible withthe National Incident Management System and the Incident Command System.17. The method of claim 16 wherein said protective enclosure member hasa pressure equalization valve to equalize the pressure differentialbetween said enclosure member and the ambient, said pressureequalization valve having a membrane to repel water, dust and dirt. 18.The method of claim 16 wherein said foam storage member material isselected from a group consisting of polyethylene foam, polyurethanefoam, and cross-link foam.
 19. The method of claim 18 wherein saidincident response equipment is further comprised of a plurality ofhooded rain ponchos and a plurality of lightweight, color coded vests,said color coded vests each containing a transparent pocket feature onthe front and back side of said vest, wherein each pocket featurecontains a tag having a front side and a back side, said tag bearingprinted material identifying an Incident Team Member role on said frontside, said tag bearing printed material listing the correspondingresponsibilities of said team member on said back side.
 20. The methodof claim 9 wherein said electronic equipment is comprised of one or moreitems selected from the group consisting of a notebook computer, aweather radio, a 6-in-1 personal safety device, a portable printer, apower inverter, a battery powered flashlight, a hand-crank flashlight,and a digital camera.